Incredible facts about sharks, predators of the ocean

CaptionFacts about shark attacks

David Fleetham / Discovery Channel

Though being attacked by a shark like this great white is extremely unlikely, the number of unprovoked shark attacks worldwide has grown at a steady pace since 1900. According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, there were 39 reported shark attacks in California from 2001 to 2013.

Though being attacked by a shark like this great white is extremely unlikely, the number of unprovoked shark attacks worldwide has grown at a steady pace since 1900. According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, there were 39 reported shark attacks in California from 2001 to 2013. (David Fleetham / Discovery Channel)

When sharks do attack humans, the encounter is often a mistake. Researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say an agitated or frightened shark could attack in self defense, or a curious shark might bite a swimmer or surfer thinking he or she is a seal.

When sharks do attack humans, the encounter is often a mistake. Researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say an agitated or frightened shark could attack in self defense, or a curious shark might bite a swimmer or surfer thinking he or she is a seal. (Cousteau Society / Getty Images)

Many species of shark, like this Mako shark caught by a group of Huntington Beach fishermen, have rows of serrated teeth that they use to tear the flesh of their prey. Researchers from the University of South Florida said this ripping motion pulls food into the shark's mouth.

Many species of shark, like this Mako shark caught by a group of Huntington Beach fishermen, have rows of serrated teeth that they use to tear the flesh of their prey. Researchers from the University of South Florida said this ripping motion pulls food into the shark's mouth. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

One of the reasons sharks have so many fearsome rows of razor-sharp teeth is that they lose them so often. Shark teeth often fall out when the predators attack their prey, according to the Shark Research Institute.

One of the reasons sharks have so many fearsome rows of razor-sharp teeth is that they lose them so often. Shark teeth often fall out when the predators attack their prey, according to the Shark Research Institute. (Scot Anderson / Discovery Channel)